MyHeartOnMySleeve

I'M IN!!!

2009-04-10T09:39:00.001-05:00

I don't know why I keep coming back here! I keep getting locked out, and then cannot retrieve my password! Well, I have decided to give it one more try, so here I am. Again. Now to just come up with something worth saying once in awhile!

Oh! I know! We graduate in October!

Marching to Their Own Beat

2008-08-05T06:28:00.001-05:00

So, the other day my husband and I were shopping for some food at Wal-Mart and as we were over in the meat department, a young Hawkeye Pierce look alike strolled by complete with forest green bathrobe, shorts, socks, and sandals. People were obviously disturbed by his appearance. After all, this is a little bitty town in central Mississippi, not downtown LA where eccentrics abound, and certainly don’t go into Wal-Mart. So…I lean over to my husband and say, “now that’s classy”. He turns to me and replies, “that’s Isaac!” No way!!! It is!! Oh my gosh, is that really my baby boy??? Isaac!! No response, doesn’t even flinch like he heard me. ISAAC!! Nothing. As he walks further and further away, I debate with myself, he walks like Isaac; he has blonde hair like Isaac. Is that my son??? I pull out the ole cellie and call him. “Hey mom” “ummmm, Isaac, where are you?” “Newton Wal-Mart” this as he rounds the corner, green bathrobe and all. I still don’t understand what he was trying to accomplish, under the bathrobe, he was wearing a white chef’s smock, he has just come back from Hattiesburg where he had gone to cook for a friend in his new apartment. He told us he had worn the bathrobe in the mall down there and gotten some really interesting responses. I can just imagine.

Why does this make me proud? I would never have had the guts to do something like that just to see what the response from other people was. To find out about myself that I myself was one of those with the response was interesting. I still think it would be odd for someone to wear a bathrobe out into the world like everyday attire. I have found though that everyone has their own beat. I like hearing Isaac’s sometimes.

I got My Blogger account back!

2008-07-30T20:19:00.004-05:00

The internet, or blogger, or google, or whoever has held my poor blogger account hostage, and for millions in ransom, for 6 months! I was so ready to be diligent and then boom! No admittance. I couldn't get into my account no matter how many times I typed my email and forgot-password? information. Today, it worked, YAY! I am so excited to be able to come back and read my favorites.

Oh BTW, we are now in 2ND semester, that's how long I've been away! Stoopid internet. I'm off to read misadventurous Melissa. She always cracks me up!!

2008-01-16T11:08:00.000-06:00

I found this article quite validating. When I was in kindergarten, we went on a field trip to the circus. I remember seeing a clown close up and found him quite disturbing and grotesque. I asked my teacher if he would be that way forever. She said yes. I don't know if she misunderstood the question, or if she wanted to keep the fantasy alive, but she said yes. I cried for a long time after that about that poor poor man.

Also, my cousin had broken her leg, and I was under the impression that she would never walk again. It broke my little child heart.

I'm sure I have given my children misconceptions too. KJ was told by one of his Sunday School instructors that Heaven would be sitting in a chair, thinking about God, forever. Imagine telling an active little boy that he will sit in a chair forever, and that it's supposed to be good. We need to be so careful what we say or how we impress the little ones.

Oh yeah! I forgot to mention. I GOT A PART TIME JOB!!!! Transcription to help finance nursing. Seems fair to me.

School so far.

2008-01-14T10:47:00.000-06:00

I know we have only gone to three classes. Two lectures and one clinical day, but any class that can hold my attention for four solid hours is a great class. Our teachers are hilarious. I wish I could have gotten pictures of the instructor portraying inappropriate behavior with her RED thong showing when she bent over the bed, over the thong a tattoo, two more tattoos, popping gum, and cell phone plastered to her ear. We could hardly hear the "good" nurse over the laughter of the class. We were very disappointed the next day to find our her tattoos had been applied by Sharpies though. Now Richard understands why after working at two different nursing homes, I am so incredibly anal about making the bed. It was drummed into me at work. He was much more understanding last night when we made our own bed, instead of the usual "ach!!!", we cooperated quite nicely. Oh yeah, and I know how to wash my hands now!!

Interruptions and distractions

2008-01-09T21:34:00.000-06:00

I am sitting here trying to do the reading that was assigned at orientation, and then one of the cats waited for me to get all my stuff set up, and then of course at that point when I was finally getting going, he wanted in the house. My husband had just stepped into the shower, so getting him to let the yowling crying cat in was not an option. Oh well, got distracted so might as well check out blogger. After all, I have all morning to get read for class tomorrow.

I was trying to take a test for the transcription job I am applying for this morning. First the dog wanted something (can't remember what it was, but he was bugging me until I got/did whatever it was) Then, I HAD to eat something. Then as I was really getting into the thing, the other cat was yowling/crying (you really have to hear her meow, it's totally annoying) so I had to get up and let her out. It's like they know. I swear my kids were never like this!!!

2008-01-07T13:11:00.001-06:00

Having a bit of doldrums right now. Maybe need to go back on the Zoloft. hmmm. Picked up Isaac from the airport yesterday. I had been dreading it some, knowing that he would be sad about leaving Ty. This makes me sad too. He said she was crying on the phone this morning. I really didn't expect him to come home. He said he almost didn't. He informed us that she would be coming out in April I know that must feel like forever to them. He also told us he will be moving to NM in May. He has some job offers and a roommate all set up. As much as I will miss him, I know he will be happy and that helps a lot.

Nursing is going to be intense. I will spend this afternoon, and tomorrow afternoon reading the five chapters necessary for day 1

This is what was waiting for us at orientation last Thursday, sans notebook, it is our syllabus. I guess she saw the look on my face, because the instructor says "DON'T FREAK OUT!!" Too late!!

By the way, if you can't tell, it's about 2.5 inches thick. About the thickness of a good-sized metro phone book.

My First Fondant and Wedding Cake

2008-01-01T18:52:00.000-06:00

This is my first attempt with fondant. I had wanted to put Royal Icing snowflakes but it was way too humid here and they didn't set up in time. My two helpers, my son Isaac on the left and his friend Dusty, made the Christmas scene instead. The igloo is made of white chocolate fantasy fudge. It was for a Christmas party given by Erica and Ryan (the bride and groom below). It seems they're always the victims of my endeavors. Two days later, the snowflakes were ready.

This is my first attempt at a Wedding Cake. The bride is like a daughter. I had been wanting to attempt a wedding cake for some time, and she chose one that was not too elaborate as far as actual decoration went. When I see the picture, I can see all the mistakes I made. Compared to some other peoples' sites, I am a little embarrassed to post mine. I figure this will give me a chance to see how the cakes improve as time goes on.

Where has the time gone???

2007-12-29T17:01:00.000-06:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted. In that time I have:

Quit my state job at EMSH.
Completed A&P I
A&P II
Microbiology
and Psychology.
It looked like more when formatted as a list.

My husband and I have been accepted into the nursing program.

I have started a cake decorating semi business. (Getting a business off the ground may be more than I have time for what with the nursing program and all. I'm good at it, but advertising takes soooo much time. So lets just say I make all kinds of cakes to help supplement my academic career.)

I am again applying for medical transcription positions.

Joanna Montana

2007-04-27T17:21:00.000-05:00

Joanna Montana might be coming home from the vet hospital today. She has a bad habit of playing tag with the vehicles coming into the driveway when we come home, and Tuesday she got hit. We are so used to her getting out of the way.... Anyway, there were internal injuries and a broken hind leg and pelvic injuries. Poor baby. I have to call at 2 to see if she's coming home. I'm sure she will get lots of babying and attention, and LOVIN'!! I am pretty excited about it!!

I'm pretty sure she won't be playing tag with the cars anymore.

SHE'S HOME!!

2007-04-27T17:16:00.000-05:00

Picked her up at about 2:45. She is VERY sore and when I walk away, she staggers up and tries to follow me. So I have to just stay put for awhile.

Why Bother?

2007-04-18T16:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday was Richard's birthday. Happy Birthday Love!!

I was at the store buying stuff to make him a cake and manicotti (or cheesy tubes of goodness as Hannan calls them) and I reached for some greens to make a salad to go with. Richard looks at me and asks "who's going to eat that?" I had no idea. He asks if I will eat it, and honestly, in all probability, no. Lara hates vegetables, Hannan might eat some, their girls 5 and 3 most definitely not. We will be stuffing our faces with manicotti and cake. So who have I been buying salad greens for all this time? Or was it just an attempt to ease my conscience?? Who have I been fooling??? Obviously, not Richard.

EDS

2007-04-18T11:12:00.000-05:00

This morning was like every other morning except for one thing. I slept like a rock last night. No insomnia or hot flashes to soak the sheets with sweat(Enjuvia ROCKS), no postnasal drip waking me up coughing, no barking/howling Samson or Joanna. Richard got up at his usual time and made coffee for us. I already had lunches made, so I could sleep a few more minutes.

So why can't I keep my eyes open? Excuse me while I take my lunch early, lock my office door, and take a nap.

Ssshhhhhhhhhh. Transcriptionist sleeping. This would work better if my office were not right next to the signin/out sheet. Nurses and CNAs are very excited and vocal about leaving for lunch.

Beginning the Journey

2007-04-14T23:10:00.000-05:00

ACT today. English and Reading, fantastic. Math and Science, UGH!! Lord, am I sure I'm supposed to be a Nurse?

Oh well, I can study and get ready to retake it again in June. I know I can do better. I got an A in Algebra, after all. I just couldn't remember how to do any of it.

Nursing Program

2007-04-06T15:45:00.000-05:00

Hubby and I went and registered for school last Monday. I will have to go full time during the day so was required to give notice at my current job. There was no entertaining the idea of part time, or working at home. I would have been willing to do either but oh well.

I am sad at leaving my friends here at work and about giving up a career that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I am excited and terrified about starting a new career.

We want to become travel RNs.

The adventure begins..........

WOW

2007-03-22T11:47:00.000-05:00

I have been away from blogger for a loooooong time! It was a growing and learning time. I started medication, suffered severe side effects, changed medications, suffered a flare up of chronic cervical spine pain, recovered, became a closet vegetarian.

First: Started Cymbalta for depression and pain. Made me sick as a dog. Could not take the pain meds for the cervical spine pain as they were contraindicated. Ironic because that was the pain the Cymbalta was supposed to help with. Switched to Zoloft. For as long as I fought it, I think it is incredible. I am living again.

Second: Tuesday Richard emails me a recipe for mexican lasagna (it's on Martha Stewart's website) and the first thing I notice is that there's no meat in it and I get my back up. Then, wait a minute, I've been thinking about going vegetarian for some time and just not ready to commit. Maybe now's the time. Go shopping, get the stuff, go home. Cook. Eat. Delicious. Isaac says "mom, I am thinking of becoming a vegetarian". Total freakout, we're all on the same WAVE LENTH at the same time??? WOW!!

I would like to eat this way all the time, but for now will just do it as often as I can without getting my sweetheart all stressed out. baby steps.

Mental Illness

2006-12-13T15:46:00.000-06:00

I work at a psychiatric facility. I love it. I love the patients who are here. I give and get lots of love and hugs. Mental illness can happen to anyone. ANYONE. A good number of our patients have degrees from Doctrate on down. Alzheimer's does not discriminate, nor does manic depression, bipolor disorder, or schizophrenia. What can you do when someone you love is mentally ill and will not get help? Nothing. Wait. Hope. Pray. Now of course, I am speaking of someone who is NOT a minor. If you have a minor child who you suspect is suffering from mental illness, GET HELP NOW,(cutting, cycling manic behavior with severe fatigue, auditory or visual hallucinations, chronic(continuous) sad mood). I suspect that someone I love is mentally ill. At 22 years old he has the worst case of anhedonia(the inability to feel pleasure in anything, including the things that used to give you pleasure such as food, sex, shopping, hobbies)I have ever seen. He cycles up and down. I asked him last week if he would please get evaluated and diagnosed. "No drugs" says he. I get that. I also see that he has absolutely no joy in his life.I am trying to get a chance to ask him if he is having any hallucinations, auditory or visual. He is honest and would tell me the truth. There has just not been a private moment to talk. He is not a danger to himself or others, for now. So, our hands are tied, for now. I hope it doesn't get tragic before we can get him to seek help. I also hope that mental illness will someday not carry the stigma it does now so that those who suffer (and I DO mean suffer) from it can openly seek help.

Medical Professional

2006-12-12T09:44:00.000-06:00

Kim at Emergiblog has linked me as a "Medical Professional". (oops, it was, in fact, "Medical person of interest" which is just as good). It actually brought tears to my eyes when she did that. I have done my job (and loved it) for three and a half years now. When I worked at home I didn't feel all that professional because most days I never made it out of my pajamas and ate my meals at the computer. Oh yes, I worked from rise till bed,my precious husband bringing me food, especially during this time of year when everyone had met their deductibles and were flocking in to get whatever stuff done that they wanted to go on their insurance before January. I felt like a shlep. Then I came to work for "The State". I thought it would be a glamorous job working for a big hospital. However, I found that most of the people here think that transcription is just "typing". I have actually been referred to that way. "Oh that's kim, she's the typist." I am pretty sure I have commented on this before. When I "just type" I have to know what the term/disease/medication is, how to spell it, what it means, what amount of medication is within certain parameters (i.e. had a doc prescribe 1000 mg of Risperdal q d last month, I HAVE to know that Risperdal is given in dosages of 1-4 mg per pill. To be given most likely once or twice a day.) This is my job. I know meds that I type, I know diseases, I know that there is no such thing as Regular N insulin. I know these things so that when doctors are tired and have to dictate 20 to 30 notes on the patients they see and make a mistake that they do not hear, I am there, I gotchur back doc. My docs know this, but my bosses do not, so I make a below poverty wage working for the state. I AM a MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, and I love what I do. Just wish the place I work for would recognize it.

Christmas Song meme

2006-11-28T11:57:00.000-06:00

Fat Doctor has tagged everyone who reads her blog for this. List your five favorite Christmas songs.
mine are:

1) Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel
2) Hark the Herald Angels Sing (God and sinners reconciled! Wow, that is so huge!)
3) Silent Night.
4) Mary, Did You Know?
5) Angels We Have Heard On High.

I tag Kim at emrgiblog and Kat at Kat's Meow and you, if you read this, I tag you!

You thought I was joking when I said I was calling in dead. I wasn't. Still dead. Flaming sore throat. Ear Ache. and just finished a course of Omnicef, Tessalon Perles, and Lodrane for ear infection, bronchitis, and strep. GAH! So what is it now? Never got my flu shot as they never came in. (we signed up here at work so we wouldn't have to take precious company time off to go get one. Pshshshshshshshsh) Will post again when I ressurect. No I don't want pity, just sleep.

Choices?

2006-11-14T13:58:00.001-06:00

I had three choices today.

1: Go to work so that I would not lose the paid day off I had yesterday for Veteran's Day. Also, get paid for today.

2. Stay home in bed and get well and lose pay from Friday, Monday, and today

3. Go to the doctor exposing all the people in her waiting room to my cold germs, which by the way there is no cure for so it would just be to get a note for permission to stay in bed where I should be, lose today's pay but maintain Moday's and Friday's pay.

So I made the choice that would pay the bills. I am here at work, getting dirty looks from my coworkers, locked in my office with a can of Lysol, and not losing my pay. I took a Sudafed and the buzz should keep me going until I drive home where I can go back to bed. Tomorrow, I'm calling in dead.

2006-11-09T10:09:00.000-06:00

I hated Government in school. I squeeked by with a D or D+. Hey, I wanted to be a wife, take care of a home and children. Let my husband tell me how to vote, I wasn't really interested. By the time I became interested, I had no idea how it all worked. Yeah, sad sad sad. Politics still looks like this to me.

Diving in to untangle it seemed impossible. Quite something that I now realize that there is corruption from all sides, not just theirs. I am entering into a time to educate myself now. I still find it dry, boring, and maybe I am just afraid to face the actual state of a World that has an unbiblical world view. It all seems so simple if "What Would Jesus Do?" were the creed that politicians followed.

2006-11-08T09:31:00.000-06:00

Awww man!!! Dr. GC has turned into Dr. Human Being. RATS. What am I going to complain about now!!! He came into my office yesterday and said.... are you sitting down?......"You were right and I was wrong. I'm sorry." I figured I griped about him before so I needed to tell you when he was being the bigger man and apologized. Yes, I am really humbled. I'm sorry, Dr. HB.

2006-11-07T10:34:00.000-06:00

I just signed another person's blog with my name all in caps. How self important is that? Sorry KAT! The shift lock was engaged. DOH! and I type for a living....
I love all my docs. I may have gotten off on the wrong posting foot with that last post, but really, my docs are the BEST. They are funny though, and that is what keeps this blog so interesting.

Here are some of my favorites:
Neurologist: ....he was seen by ....tch tch tch....hmmmmm...Dr. SOMEBODY!

GP: *dictates pat name*...."what the heck was that all about?!!!!"....."Ohhhhhhh, that's not good!!!!" (hahahaha he has just gotten his new digital dictation system. Don't worry, had nothing to do with a patient.)

Physiatrist: "Ms. so-and-so is NOT compliant with meds, physical therapy, or follow up visits.*in very disgusted voice* At this time I am DISCHARGING her from my care. I'll see her back........er.....*muttered under breath* when hell freezes over!"

They are delightful, and human. I love them!!!

Dr. God-complex

2006-11-06T13:14:00.000-06:00

I never know how far back to go in the history of my relationship with Dr. GC. Let it just be said that he USED to be a pretty good doc from what I hear. Now he has retired three times and has no business practicing. Dude is totally senile. They rub his bald head and tell him how cute he is. UGH. So he storms into my office today and asks why there are so many blanks in his dictation.
Me: Well that would usually mean I couln't understand what you were saying or once again, you were shuffling pages by your mic (we have discussed this habit of his, A LOT).
DGC: No why are the AXIS I, II, and III blank.
Me: Oh. Ok. Because you didn't dictate them.
DGC: Yes I did, they were in my notes(the notes he uses to dictate from. The ones that he, and ONLY he, sees.
Me: Blank look.......Were they highlighted in the copy I gave back to you? (My indication of something not being dictated)
DGC: Yes, why didn't you type them?
Me: Because they weren't on the tape, you didn't dictate them.
DGC: The tape must have cut off and I dictated them when it was off.
Me: Weeeeellllll.......I can't type what isn't on the tape.
DGC: But, I dictated them!
Me: They're not on the tape though...
DGC: But, they were in my notes!!

Yeah. He's a jewel. Oh and I'm the stupid one.

Lurking

2006-10-16T15:45:00.001-05:00

I have been doing a lot more lurking than actual writing on Blogger. I am here at work, and you would think I would have lots to tell (darn HIPPA laws). But when I'm not super busy, I just seem to want to read. I love all the blogs posted to the right. I am facinated by them.

ANTS MARCHING had a blog sometime back about Victorian times. She has lots of blog entries, and I read almost all of them, although I am much more a Dr. Carter fan. She stated that it was a more beautiful time. She also stated that they had Laudanum, to which I have to reply "We have Ultracet!" I do not have a pain med addiction, I will use the Ultracet anywhere to once q six months to once a week, depending on the pain at the moment. My favorite saying about Ultracet is "Yes, my neck still hurts, BUT I DON'T CARE!" It is the only thing that has worked and still allowed my to type a progress note that makes any sense. Works for me.

Monday....again

2006-10-02T15:03:00.000-05:00

Ok, It's true, I've had my new keyboard for some time but my muse has not been visiting me lately.

I started my transcription career three years ago and my first docs were a wonderfully clear spoken neurologist from here in the South, a physiatrist from Austria, and an NP from who knows where. Guess who gave me the most trouble?

I don't know why NPs take three pages to say what MDs take a paragraph to say, but it was explained to me by one that their documents are more closely scrutinized, and they leave nothing, and I mean abosulutley nothing, to chance. Every single vital sign. Every single testing sign. It once took her three minutes to dictate vital signs, all which were "within normal limits". I liked her, she was just really long winded. Add to that, she would save up a week of dictation and download it all and expect it back in 24 hours. Nope. Not happening baby.

So the first time I sat down to do her transcription, I didn't know that our company had a "dumping" policy. i.e. if you only "dump" once a week, then we (the transcriptionists) have a week to get it all back to you in one day incriments. You dump 3 hours of dictation a week, we have to get back to you at least 36 minutes a day. This is so that our other doctors are not paying or being pushed back due to a dumpers lack of diligence in dictation. They download daily, they get their transcription back daily. So, I get this three hour dictation from her. I finished my other doctors and got started on her. I was up until 3 a.m. at which point I had just finished an 18-minute note, hit the wrong key, and deleted it all. I literally cried. I was so exhausted, and at that point I still thought that it had to be in by 6 a.m., and this was NOT the last noted she had dictated. I tell you, I was ready to QUIT and go work at Wal-Mart. I finally got her done, called in to the office, and told them I was not working that day, Friday, that I would do all of Fridays transcription(which was due in on Monday) on Saturday. My boss called and let me know that I had just completed a weeks worth of work and to take it easy. I think I cried all morning from exhaustion. Then my mom IMed me and let me know that my dad had just died. I cried all after noon too. Such was my introduction into medical transcrition. It got better.

Dear Blogspot

2006-09-25T08:32:00.000-05:00

I have not forgotten you. I am just waiting for my new keyboard so that posting is not like pulling out fingernails. I will be back as soon as it comes.
Love,
Me

Not such an angry woman any more

2006-09-22T06:46:00.000-05:00

When I started out this new blog, I was really REALLY angry. That has settled down, and now I find I don't have as much to say as I used to.

I am a medical transcriptionist. I started out my career about 3 1/2 years ago after getting out of college, a two -year stint I did here in the middle of the South. I didn't know what I wanted to do for a living 5 1/2 years ago, so I went in and told the counselor that I wanted a job where I type. A lot. That's all, just type. He put me in the medical office program. It didn't dawn on me until my second semester that he was telling me to be a transcriptioinst. What he didn't know was what a really crappy transcription program the college had. REALLY !!! I am the only one I know of that is actually doing medical transcription. Most of the others went on to do something not medical office related at all. I met one lady at Wal-Mart last week that opted to stay home and live off the state. Now before you jump my case about assistance and how some people really need it, this is the same lady that NEVER did an assignment, cheated on every test, and took elementary business math three times and talked on her cell phone through each class. She was a nice girl, I liked her a lot, she was funny and friendly, but girlfriend was LAZY. But, I digress. I didn't find out until I graduated how hard it is to break into the MT field. No one wants to hire a transcriptionist right out of school unless they have taken a program specifically designed to teach MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION, probably because quite a few of them have come from a program just like the one I did. I learned about 5% of what I needed to know to be a transcriptionist. The other 95% I learned from my employer. Yep, I got a job. Before graduation in fact. There was an ad in the paper stating "Top Dollar For Experienced Medical Transcriptionists!!" I called the number and asked the lady how much they would pay the inexperienced. She thought that was pretty funny, gave me a chance, and taught me what real transcription was all about. Digital transcription is a whole different ball game. I loved it. I worked with her for about 2 1/2 years. In that time I tried to decide if that was what I really wanted to do. I wasn't very fast and seemed to always be making mistakes involving things I should have learned in school. About the end of 18 months, I tried a different job with her that caused me to finally give my notice. It was data entry into the Electronic Medical Records. It was a nightmare. I got paid by the entry. However, I had to be on hand to do the job between 09:00 until..... which means until the doctor sent in the work, the transcriptionist typed it, and the proofer proofed it. Sometimes this meant I worked 12+ hours which equated to less than a $1 an hour. If I decided to leave the work at 5:30 to do the next day, it would get pulled from my computer and sent to the other girl who was doing the same job as I was, money out of my pocket. The doctors had all been assigned transcriptionists, so I left for another job. That lady and I are still friends, I just needed to make more money. I now work for the state of ** at a psychiatric nursing facility. The hours are good, the pay is paltry, but I love my work, I go home at 5:30, and I have NEVER had to cancel plans because of work. I am going to be using this blog to tell about transcription, and to clarify in my own mind if I want to look for another position with better pay.

I deleted my comments!!!! DOH!!!!

2006-09-05T08:18:00.000-05:00

I had two lovely people leave me comments the other day, and I deleted the post with the comments and lost the two lovely people! Now I have no way to go back and find out who they were.

Lara

2006-09-03T00:28:00.000-05:00

My best friend has gone to the ER. Maybe she'll see charity doc AKA fingers and tubes in every orifice(check out his blog), but I dobt it. I would feel so much better if it were so. She's been sick for two weeks now. They gave her Decadron on Friday and today she showed up to paint. I knew I should have told her no!! I knew it!!! But she looked so good! She said she was almost 100%! She called at about 9:30 and asked me to come spend the night with her girls. Hubby and I are here in the guestroom while I await word from them. I am so worried about her!!!

Painting Day

2006-09-02T18:35:00.001-05:00

The rental is coming along nicely. The cat poop is all but a distant memory and faint lingering smell that the paint should finally eradicate along with the smoke that has been scrubbed off every surface that can be washed. When the carpet is taken out and the new carpet and vinyl put down, it should smell new.
Let me tell you about the neighbor across the street.
When the renters skipped out, they didn't just leave an inheritence of filth, cat poop, debris, and their baby girls toys (don't worry, they didn't leave any of their precious dope behind with the 10 containers of used cooking oil). They left 5 cats. A mama and 4 kittens. Totally wild, but I knew if they were hungry enough we could get them in a carrier to take to the shelter. The woman across the street came over and after offering us $5000 for our house (appraised at $75,000, and she was so offended when we didn't jump. NO LIE!!!) she told us she had been feeding the cats in our carport. I told her to stop. She says, "I can't watch them starve!!!" I said, "then take them home to YOUR house and feed them, or else don't look!" And, she replies, "I don't like cats!!" So, she proceeded to sneak food over every night after we went home. Needless to say, the cats would not go in the carrier as they were just not that hungry. So my best friend takes the dishes she left behind (she's a really BRIGHT lady) and walked across the street, threw the dish in her yard and shouts THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!!!! So after that, we find the dishes in the ditch in our front yard, and Lara keeps throwing the dishes in the garbage. They were nice tupperware dishes too. I guess the lady finally got tired of losing her dishes. I don't know what finally happend to the cats, we never were able to catch them.